July 3, 2011

These days are long and hot. Cool off with these local swimming options (click here to find out about the Depot Park fountain):

POOLS

Public:O.T. Sloan Pulic PoolWhere: 1420 Bragg Street, Sanford NCWhat: This is Lee County's only public pool and is operated by Lee County Parks & Recreation. OT Sloan pool is open Tuesdays-Sundays (1-5pm) and costs $3 per person. Children under age 4 are free. More info: 919-776-9831

Private:Broadway Swim ClubWhere: 316 Gilbert Lett Dr, Broadway NCWhat: You must be a member to swim at this pool. There is a $300 fee the first year and $275 for each year thereafter. More info: 919-258-9685

Elks Lodge PoolWhere: 910 Carthage Street, Sanford NCWhat: Paid members can swim at the Lodge's pool Monday-Saturday (10am-8pm) and Sunday (1-8pm). Only paid members and their families are allowed to use the pool. The cost is $185.More info: 919-774-4835

Moose Lodge PoolWhere: 821 Woodland Avenue, Sanford NCWhat: Paid members ($75 yearly dues) can swim at the Lodge's pool for a yearly fee of $150. That price usually drops after July 4th. Note that children aren't allowed to swim at night.More info: 919-776-2125 (to join) or 919-776-3331 (for the pool)

Southern Pines PoolWhere: 730 S. Henley Street, Southern Pines NCWhat: A general recreational option that includes a public pool, basketball court, and playground. More info: 910-692-7213

Smith Lake Army Recreation AreaWhere: 6200 Murchison Road, Fort Bragg NCWhat: Fort Bragg's public recreation area suffered significant damage during the tornado and is slated to open in early July. The cost is $4 for government ID cardholders, $5 for the public, and $2 for children ages 6-16.More info: 910-396-5979

Rivers:Cape FearWhere: Access points in Lillington, Broadway, and Corinth NCWhat: This large river runs right through Lee County on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking.

Deep RiverWhere: There are multiple access points. The closest ones for Lee County residents are down 42W past Gilliam Mill (Carbonton Dam Park), off Hwy 421S in gulf (McIver Landing), and at Deep River Park in Cumnock. (see map)What: There are picnic tables and swings at most access points. The river is perfect for swimming, fishing, canoeing, or kayaking.

Haw RiverWhere:Access points for the Haw River include Chicken Bridge (north of Pittsboro), from either bridge in Bynum, or along Hwy 64. What: This area is best for canoeing and kayaking, though there are nice areas for swimming. Be on the look out for poison ivy at all access points.

Note: Always check current river levels before heading out for a swim or paddle. Here's a great resource. Use Ctrl+F to search for the specific river that interests you.

Fantasy LakeWhere: 5869 Permastone Lake Road, Hope Mills NC What: This manmade lake offers white-sand beaches and clear water as well as many family-friendly activities in and out of the water. The park is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day (10am-6pm) and costs $14 per adult and $10 per child. Children under 2 are free with a paying parent.More info:Learn more about the park here.

Lake Waldo's BeachWhere: 6742 Waldos Beach Road, Fayetteville NCWhat: This seasonal water park is open June 11-Labor Day (10am-6pm) and costs $10 for children under age 10 or $12 for everyone else.More info: 910-423-8701

Splash Pad at Christina Smith ParkWhere: 500 Fisher Street, Fayetteville NCWhat: A water-play area complete with a playground, sprinklers, and picnic area. The park is free, but often crowded.More info: 910-433-1572

1 comments:

We have been there a few times as well and never had issues with swimming there. However, there website does states no swimming....

Harris Lake County Park and American Tobacco Trail Staff

Park Rules and Regulations: Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand at Harris Lake County Park. The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.

Speed limit is 20 mph. Pets must be restrained on a leash – 6 feet max. Park only in designated areas. The following are prohibited: Alcoholic beverages Hunting Swimming Collection or removal of any animal or plant material Amplified music Overnight/Family camping Open fires